Michael,

 

I like the idea of learning communities for PD.   Getting some adult
education teachers comfortable with the distance learning community concept
might take a bit of encouragement, but definitely worth trying.  We are
currently piloting an ABE to postsecondary transition project across a wide
geographic area where we are encouraging the learning community concept
amongst these motivated learners.  Thanks for your thoughts.

 

Jon Engel

Adult Education Director

Community Action Inc.

PO Box 748

San Marcos, TX 78666

Voice  (512)392-1161 ext. 334

Fax  (512)396-4255

Email  jengel at communityaction.com

Web www.communityaction.com 

  _____  

From: professionaldevelopment-bounces at nifl.gov
[mailto:professionaldevelopment-bounces at nifl.gov] On Behalf Of Michael Tate
Sent: Thursday, November 13, 2008 11:15 AM
To: The Adult Literacy Professional Development Discussion List
Subject: [ProfessionalDevelopment 2654] Re:
[ProfessionalDevelopment2639]Professional Development Challenge?

 

Jon and Colleagues:  I've been thinking that learning communities may be a
solution to the PD problem.  I doubt that there will ever be sufficient
funding for PD, and if there were, that the training would always be in sync
with the needs of teachers.   My background in sustainable development leads
me to the notion that PD needs to be guided by a local more knowledgeable
teacher around an issue that all the teachers in the group are interested in
and value enough that they will come without payment.  Technology allows for
a learning community to be made up of members at a distance, and I think the
special topics that are announced on this listserv are examples of
"proto-learning communities".  

 

Michael Tate

 

From: professionaldevelopment-bounces at nifl.gov
[mailto:professionaldevelopment-bounces at nifl.gov] On Behalf Of Jon Engel
Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2008 10:57 AM
To: 'The Adult Literacy Professional Development Discussion List'
Subject: [ProfessionalDevelopment 2645] Re: [Professional
Development2639]Professional Development Challenge?

 


>From a local adult education program administrator in a state that does

almost nothing to support the adult education enterprise, I would have to
agree with Dan in regard to adequate resources.  PD becomes a difficult
budget variable when dealing with a part time workforce.  Teachers need to
be paid for their commitment to PD activities, but if they really get
involved with PD, it becomes a cost that is unsupportable at this time-at
least in Texas.

 

Jon Engel

Adult Education Director

Community Action Inc.

PO Box 748

San Marcos, TX 78666

Voice  (512)392-1161 ext. 334

Fax  (512)396-4255

Email  jengel at communityaction.com

Web www.communityaction.com 

  _____  

From: professionaldevelopment-bounces at nifl.gov
[mailto:professionaldevelopment-bounces at nifl.gov] On Behalf Of Dan
Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2008 9:57 PM
To: 'The Adult Literacy Professional Development Discussion List'
Subject: [ProfessionalDevelopment 2639] Re: [Professional Development
2639]Professional Development Challenge?

 

Adequate resources to  develop and deliver meaningful PD in a time of great
uncertainty and limited budgets.  Resources include time, money, and
staffing and  administrators  up and down the line that value true
professional development as a means to improve services to students.  This
goes along with the lack of trust in themselves and trust in their students
on the part of many teachers and then to rely on teacher centered
instruction and adherence to the mantra  that expectations in and of
themselves is enough to motivate students to achieve.  

 

Dan Wann 

Two Leaves Consulting, LLC 

Indianapolis, IN 

From: professionaldevelopment-bounces at nifl.gov
[mailto:professionaldevelopment-bounces at nifl.gov] On Behalf Of Kathryn Land
Sent: Tuesday, November 11, 2008 8:29 PM
To: professionaldevelopment at nifl.gov
Subject: [ProfessionalDevelopment 2639] Professional Development Challenge?

 

What do you feel is the biggest professional development challenge for adult
educators in the next 5-10 years?

 

I would be interested in any opinions or thoughts on the top issues we will
face.

 

Thanks,

Kathryn 

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